Expandable trailer

ABSTRACT

An expandable trailer comprising a chassis, at least one pair of extendable supports, at least one pair of horizontal floor sections and at least one pair of floor elements. Each support is extendable laterally outwardly to a respective side of a central longitudinal axis of the chassis. The horizontal floor sections of each pair of horizontal floor sections are spaced apart laterally and each have an outer rail which is coupled to a corresponding one of the supports. The floor elements are pivotally coupled to each other and to the floor sections. Upon extension of the extendable supports from a retracted position to an open, extended position, the horizontal floor sections move laterally outwardly to extend from the chassis and the floor elements move from an upright vertical arrangement to an arrangement where the floor elements lie in horizontal alignment with the floor sections.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to expandable trailers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Expandable trailers are often used as house trailers where it is usefulbe able to collapse a trailer into a more easily transportable form.Quite often, in order to have a structurally stable expandable portionof the trailer, the trailer interior must receive the expandable portionwhen in the collapsed or retracted position. This can be quiteinconvenient as the expandable portion may obstruct the trailer interiorand make it difficult to position furniture and the like. Examples ofsuch trailers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,985 (Morris) and U.S.Pat. No. 5,237,782 (Cooper).

This problem has been addressed in part by U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,282(Meaker) which discloses a telescopically collapsible house trailer inwhich the trailer interior is left completely unobstructed. Theexpandable portion comprises foldable floor elements which are folded upinto parallel retracted position at one side of the trailer when it isbeing transported. When the trailer is expanded, these floor elementsfold out to form the expanded portion. Although the trailer interior isnot obstructed by the expandable portion, this trailer construction doeshave a number of drawbacks. The expandable portion cannot support anyfurniture or the like during transport as the floor elements must befolded up into the retracted position. In addition, as only one side ofthe trailer supports the expandable portion, balance may also be aconcern when the trailer is expanded, particularly when containing heavyloads.

Thus, there exists a need for an expandable trailer with increasedstability and improved supports so that the expanded portion of thetrailer remains level. Preferably, such an expandable trailer would beable to store furniture and the like in the expandable portion when thetrailer is in a retracted position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided anexpandable trailer comprising a chassis having a central longitudinalaxis, at least one pair of extendable supports, at least one pair ofhorizontal rectangular floor sections and at least one pair ofrectangular floor elements. Each extendable support of the pair ofextendable supports is extendable laterally outwardly to a respectiveopposite side of the central longitudinal axis of the chassis. Eachhorizontal floor section of the pair is spaced laterally with respect tothe other floor section to either side of the central longitudinal axisof the chassis. Each floor section has an inner longitudinal edge and anouter rail, the outer rail being coupled to an outer end of acorresponding one of the extendable supports. Each floor element of thepair is pivotally coupled along a first longitudinal edge to the firstlongitudinal edge of the other floor element of the pair and pivotallycoupled along a second longitudinal edge to a corresponding innerlongitudinal edge of one of the horizontal floor sections. Uponextension of the extendable supports from a retracted position to anopen, extended position, the horizontal floor sections move laterallyoutwardly to extend from the chassis and the floor elements move from anupright vertical arrangement to an arrangement where the floor elementslie in horizontal alignment with the floor sections.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is providedapparatus comprising a plurality of expandable trailers as describedabove and at least one coupling for connecting each one of the pluralityof expandable trailers to adjacent expandable trailers.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there isprovided apparatus comprising a plurality of expandable trailers asdescribed above, a plurality of levelling jacks for levelling thetrailers when parked and at least one coupling for connecting each oneof the plurality of expandable trailers to adjacent expandable trailers.The levelling jacks are adapted to horizontally align respective floorsections of adjacent expandable trailers.

With this construction of expandable trailer, because the floor sectionsremain horizontally aligned during the transition from the retractedposition where the floor elements are in an upright vertical arrangementto the open position where the floor elements lie in horizontalalignment with the floor sections, objects such as furniture and thelike may be stored thereon during transport. Furthermore, as the trailerexpands outwardly to each side of the chassis, the entire structureremains balanced. The construction of this expandable trailer alsoensures that the expanded portions remain level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon referring to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the side and rear of an embodiment ofan expandable trailer in a retracted position in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a similar perspective view from the side and rear of anembodiment of an expandable trailer in an open, extended position inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an extendable support of theexpandable trailer of FIGS. 1 and 2 in retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the extendable support of FIG. 3 in open,extended position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the extendable support of FIG. 3 in retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the expandable trailer of FIGS. 1 and2 in open, extended position; and

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the expandable trailer of FIGS. 1 and2 in retracted position.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with theillustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intendedto limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as maybe included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an expandable trailer 10 in a retracted position andFIG. 2 illustrates the expandable trailer 10 in an open position. Theexpandable trailer 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a chassis12 having a central longitudinal axis 14 and at least one pair ofextendable supports (not shown). The extendable supports are eachextendable laterally outwardly to respective sides of the centrallongitudinal axis 14 of the chassis. The extendable supports will bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 later inthis document.

The extendable supports support at least one pair of rectangular floorsections 16. Each floor section 16 of the pair is spaced laterally withrespect to the other floor section 16 of the pair to either side of thecentral longitudinal axis 14 of the chassis 12. Each of the floorsections 16 has an inner longitudinal edge 18 and an outer rail 20, theouter rail 20 being coupled to an outer end of a corresponding one ofthe at least one pair of extendable supports.

The floor sections 16 may each comprise a planar member supported by aframe having a plurality of lateral support bars, as shown in thecut-away portions of FIGS. 1 and 2. This frame does not have to be indirect contact with the extendable supports.

At least two rectangular floor elements 22 are pivotally coupledtogether along respective first longitudinal edges (indicated generallyby reference number 24). Each floor element 22 is pivotally coupled at asecond longitudinal edge (indicated generally by reference number 26) toa corresponding inner longitudinal edge 18 of one of the at least twofloor sections. Like the floor sections 16, the floor elements 22 mayeach comprise a planar member supported by a frame having a plurality ofsupport bars (not shown).

Upon extension of the extendable supports from a retracted position toan open, extended position, the horizontal floor sections 16 movelaterally outwardly to extend from the chassis 12 and the floor elements22 move from a retracted position where the floor elements 22 are in anupright vertical arrangement (as in FIG. 1) to an open, extendedposition where the floor elements lie in horizontal alignment with thefloor sections (as in FIG. 2).

When in the open position, there may be a small clearance (approximately¾″) between the second longitudinal edge 26 of each floor element 22 andthe inner longitudinal edge 18 of the corresponding horizontal floorsection 16. Likewise, when in the open position, there may be a smallclearance (approximately ¾″) between the first longitudinal edges 24 ofthe floor elements 22. In the open position, each of the floor elements22 may be supported on a lip extending from the corresponding floorsection 16 (not shown).

Preferably, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the floor elements 22extend upwardly from a lateral center of the chassis (in line withlongitudinal axis 14) when in the retracted position. It should beunderstood, however, that the floor elements 22 may extend upwardly fromany suitable part of the chassis 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, each of the extendable supports 28comprises an inner member 30 and an outer member 32. The outer member 32has an inner opening that extends along the length of the outer member32 for receiving the inner member 30. The inner member 30 liessubstantially within the outer member 32 when in the retracted position(as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) and extends telescopically from the outermember 32 when in the extended position (as shown in FIG. 4).

Each of the extendable supports 28 further comprises a first roller 34fastened to a first end of the inner member 30, a diameter of the firstroller 34 being slightly smaller than the width of the outer member 32.The first roller 34 rolls along a bottom surface of the inner opening asthe inner member 30 is driven out of the outer member 32.

Each of the extendable supports further comprises a second roller 36fastened to the outer member 32 at an end distal to the first end of theinner member 30 when the extendable support 28 is in retracted position.The second roller 36 is fastened so that a portion of the roller lieswithin the inner opening of the outer member 32 and a bottom surface ofthe inner member 30 is supported as it is driven out of the outer member32 to the extended position. The portion of the second roller 36 thatlies within the inner opening can be increased and decreased.

The inner member 30 may be tubular and generally square incross-section. Likewise, the outer member 32 may be generally square incross-section.

At least one actuator is associated with the extendable supports 28 tomove them from retracted position to an extended position. The at leastone actuator may accomplish this by exerting an outward lateral force onthe outer rail 18 of each floor section.

The at least one actuator may be a motor-driven screw jack, although itshould be understood that any suitable actuator may be used. The screwjack may drive a rod and piston assembly wherein the rod is coupled toone the outer rails 20 of the floor sections 16. This rod and pistonassembly may extend parallel to the extendable supports 28. The screwjack may be coupled to a gear box and at least one electric motor. Anumber of screw jacks may be used and driven by the same gear box andmotor combination.

It should be understood that any suitable type of extendable support maybe used and the invention is not limited to the type of extendablesupport shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

At least two side walls may extend upwardly from outer edge portions ofrespective ones of the floor sections 16. These walls may be supportedby the vertical supports 38 shown clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2.Alternatively, these side walls may be implemented without verticalsupports 38. At least two roof sections 39 are attached to the upperedges of the at least two side walls. The roof sections 39 are shown inphantom in FIGS. 1 and 2 are supported by roof supports 40. Each of theside walls may comprises at least one removable panel (not shown) forthe purposes of, for example, interchanging different types of panel(e.g. with window, without window).

When the extendable supports 28 are in the retracted position, the roofsections one side lies beneath the roof section of the other side of thetrailer, as shown in the Figures. Preferably the chassis comprises acentral static roof section 42 and the roof sections 39 both lie beneaththe roof section 42 of the chassis 12 when the extendable supports 28are in the retracted position. The static roof portion 42 may supportedby additional vertical supports 38 at each corner, as shown in theFigures. The side walls on opposite sides of the trailer may bedifferent heights so that the first and second roof sections 39 may liebeneath the static roof portion 42 as shown in the Figures.

A platform 44 may extend from a back end of the chassis. The platform 44may be pivotally mounted to fold up into a vertical arrangement when thetrailer is in motion. This platform may be used for any suitablepurpose, for example additional storage.

When the expandable trailer 10 is parked, a plurality of conventionallevelling jacks 46 can be used to level the trailer 10.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality ofexpandable trailers similar to the expandable trailer describedpreviously may be connected together by a suitable coupling means 48.This connection may be facilitated by using respective levelling jacksto horizontally align respective floor sections of adjacent expandabletrailers.

It is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with theinvention an expandable trailer that fully satisfy the objects, aims andadvantages set forth above. While the invention has been described inconjunction with illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the invention.

1. An expandable trailer comprising: a chassis having a centrallongitudinal axis; at least one pair of extendable supports, eachextendable support of the pair extendable laterally outwardly to arespective opposite side of the central longitudinal axis of thechassis; at least one pair of horizontal rectangular floor sections,each horizontal floor section of the pair spaced laterally with respectto the other floor section to either side of the central longitudinalaxis of the chassis, each floor section having an inner longitudinaledge and an outer rail, the outer rail being coupled to an outer end ofa corresponding one of the at least one pair of extendable supports; andat least one pair of rectangular floor elements, each floor element ofthe pair being pivotally coupled along a first longitudinal edge to thefirst longitudinal edge of the other floor element and pivotally coupledalong a second longitudinal edge to a corresponding inner longitudinaledge of one of the horizontal floor sections, wherein upon extension ofthe extendable supports from a retracted position to an open, extendedposition, the horizontal floor sections move laterally outwardly toextend from the chassis and the floor elements move from an uprightvertical arrangement to an arrangement where the floor elements lie inhorizontal alignment with the floor sections.
 2. An expandable traileraccording to claim 1, wherein the floor elements extend upwardly from alateral center of the chassis when in upright vertical arrangement. 3.An expandable trailer according to claim 1, wherein, when the floorelements are in horizontal alignment with the floor sections, there is asmall clearance between the second longitudinal edge of each one of thepair of floor elements and the inner longitudinal edge of thecorresponding one of the at least one pair of horizontal floor sections.4. An expandable trailer according to claim 1, wherein, when the floorelements are in horizontal alignment with the floor sections, there is asmall clearance between the first longitudinal edges of the at least onepair of floor elements.
 5. An expandable trailer according to claim 1,wherein each of the extendable supports comprises an inner member and anouter member, the outer member having an inner opening that extendsalong the length of the outer member for receiving the inner member. 6.An expandable trailer according to claim 5, wherein the inner memberlies substantially within the outer member when in the retractedposition and extends from the outer member when in the open, extendedposition.
 7. An expandable trailer according to claim 5, wherein each ofthe extendable supports further comprises a first roller fastened to afirst end of the inner member, a diameter of the first roller beingslightly smaller than the width of the outer member.
 8. An expandabletrailer according to claim 7, wherein the first roller is positioned toroll on a bottom surface of the inner opening as the extendable supportsare extended.
 9. An expandable trailer according to claim 1, wherein atleast one actuator is associated with the extendable supports to movethem from the retracted position to the open, extended position.
 10. Anexpandable trailer according to claim 9, wherein the at least oneactuator exerts an outward lateral force on the outer rail of each floorsection.
 11. An expandable trailer according to claim 9, wherein theactuator comprises a screw jack.
 12. An expandable trailer according toclaim 1, further comprising at least two side walls extending upwardlyfrom outer edge portions of respective ones of the floor sections and atleast two roof sections attached to the at least two side walls.
 13. Anexpandable trailer according to claim 12, wherein each of the side wallscomprises at least one removable panel.
 14. An expandable traileraccording to claim 12, wherein, when the extendable supports are in theretracted position, a first one of the at least two roof sections liesbeneath a second one of the at least two roof sections.
 15. Anexpandable trailer according to claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises astatic roof section.
 16. An expandable trailer according to claim 15,wherein a first roof section of the at least two roof sections liesbeneath a second roof section of the at least two roof sections, thefirst and second roof sections lying beneath the static roof section ofthe chassis when the extendable supports are in the retracted position.17. An expandable trailer according to claim 1, further comprising aplatform extending from a back end of the chassis.
 18. An expandabletrailer according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality oflevelling jacks for levelling the trailer when it is parked. 19.Apparatus comprising: a plurality of expandable trailers according toclaim 1; and at least one coupling means for connecting each one of theplurality of expandable trailers to adjacent expandable trailers. 20.Apparatus comprising a plurality of expandable trailers according toclaim 18; and at least one coupling means for connecting each one of theplurality of expandable trailers to adjacent expandable trailers,wherein respective levelling jacks of each of the plurality ofexpandable trailers are adapted to horizontally align respective floorsections of coupled adjacent expandable trailers.